New weather maps show giant wall of snow and ice to hit UK from Scotland to Cornwall
EXCLUSIVE: As Britain is set to plunge into a deep freeze one expert says temperatures could drop as low as -16C.
Arctic air is set to plunge the UK into a deep freeze with some areas seeing freezing temperatures as cold as -16C. Severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been slapped on huge areas across the UK from today until the end of this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have also issued an amber cold weather alert.
The Arctic blast from Norway is behind the drop in temperatures which will bring snow to towns and cities across Britain in the next three days.
And new weather maps show that up to 25cm of snow is set for some parts of Scotland. Other areas where snow is predicted include Manchester, the areas around Sheffield and whole of the south coast on Wednesday.
According to earlier reports a deluge of snow is set to move in tonight and there is very severe concern over the impacts it could have to those over the age of 65.
Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, said: “We are in it now - walk around outside now and you do feel it.
“This is not extraordinary and not OTT but there are some low points and the temperature profile will stay until Friday - the rain moves in and wipes it all away.
“It’s all to do with Arctic air coming down.”
Mr Dale predicts that temperatures could drop to as low as -16C in the Scottish glens and across more populated areas of the UK he says the temperature range will be between -7/8C and 2C.
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He said “really it is a Northern UK episode” but added “ice and frost are the main ingredients” for the rest of the country.
An amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and "where other sectors may also start to observe impacts".
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the week ahead can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”